What a delight to see a shaft of sunlight blasting onto the water just off Durlston Head, faint drizzle was still falling but it boded well for the day.
A Chaffinch taking pride of place in the vocal stakes early on my patrol, the fast, fast, slow trundle of its song enjoyed as the male bird perched on the Cherry Plum which is covered in delicate flower.
However the deep call of a Great Black-backed Gull drew my attention towards the sea again, where this huge gull was drifting in the air while another floated on the water, both very smart in their black and white plumage.
Skimming just above the surface was a Shag, on dropping onto the water the head was crowned by its thin crest which alongside its yellow gape made it unmistakable.
Further along the water was dotted with auks, 9 jet black and white Razorbills bobbing amongst the 30 or so Guillemots, providing a good chance to admire their differences. Looking back from Tilly Whim the upper ledge on the cliffs was packed with hundreds more Guillemots.
The cackle of a Fulmar from the cliffs as others of its kind flew in circles around, narrow straight wings the easiest identifier, but on close view the thick tube noses, black eyes and short legs can be seen.
Towards the gully the sound of water, the stream from field 3 to the sea still flowing after yesterday’s constant rain.
Up to the downs, where the cattle are grazing, and coming through are patches of Hairy Violets, spots of Whitlow Grass and a smattering of Daisies.
Overhead a Raven croaked before landing on a very insubstantial branch of the Sycamore disturbing 2 Wood Pigeons as it arrived.
A small group of Meadow Pipits passed over, their calls allowing me to name them. As I headed slightly inland the wonderful song of a Skylark took over, its dominance only broken by the odd Green Woodpecker and Pheasant call.